Proper drainage is essential for maintaining optimal playing conditions on athletic fields. Excessive water accumulation can seriously compromise the integrity of both natural and artificial turf installations, making surfaces hard or dangerous to play on. Sports field drainage systems are installed to address this issue by efficiently draining and capturing excess water, ensuring quick drying, and allowing fields to remain playable in nearly any weather condition.
Consequences of Poor Drainage
When athletic fields lack adequate drainage, several serious issues can arise.
Surface Hardening
Excess water can cause natural playing surfaces to become compacted and hardened, creating a field with poor shock absorption, which increases injury risks for players.
Swampy Conditions
Waterlogged fields can quickly become muddy swamps, making it difficult for athletes to run, pivot, and perform at their best.
Uneven Playing Surface
Improper drainage can result in uneven turf, creating an unsafe and unstable playing environment.
Damage to the Turf System
Prolonged exposure to water can damage artificial turf, leading to thinning, bare spots, and, ultimately, costly repairs or replacements.
Geomembranes for Sports Field Drainage
To address the challenges of athletic field drainage, sports field managers are increasingly turning to geomembranes to play a crucial role in field drainage systems. These impermeable liners are incorporated into engineered drainage systems installed underneath the sports field.
Benefits of Geomembranes
Geomembrane liners play a vital role in sports field construction and rehabilitation by providing stability and moisture protection for the playing surface. In facilities with artificial turf, they are installed below the field surface to stabilize the subgrade and protect against moisture, ensuring that the field remains in optimal condition for use.
Since geomembranes are already commonly used in stormwater management, their suitability in sports field drainage is well-established. The durability and flexibility of geomembranes permit easy installation, as they can be custom fabricated or prefabricated, saving both time and expense.
Advancements in Drainage Systems
With the widespread use of artificial turf in professional football, field hockey, lacrosse, and other sports, developing effective drainage systems is essential to prevent water pooling on the surface and causing safety hazards. In recent years, advancements in drainage options designed for these installations have reduced downtime after storms and improved player safety during games.
Improved drainage systems consist of layers of turf, sand, nonwoven geotextile, woven geomembrane, and pipes. This combination of materials allows for successfully capturing, storing, treating, and recycling stormwater, reducing reliance on outside sources for irrigation and other maintenance tasks. This necessary safety measure can help mitigate issues with water scarcity and improve the sustainability of these popular sports.
Common Geomembrane Materials
Impermeable membranes are crucial to sports field drainage systems. They prevent water from infiltrating the subsoil and help maintain a stable, playable surface. Some of the most common impermeable membranes used in football field drainage systems include reinforced polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, and ethylene propylene diene monomer:
Reinforced Polyethylene (RPE) Geomembranes
Reinforced polyethylene (RPE) geomembranes, such as the AquaArmor line by BTL Liners, offer excellent performance in sports field drainage systems. RPE is an impermeable membrane that effectively prevents water seepage into the ground, allowing captured water to flow smoothly to its destination. AquaArmor RPE geomembranes are often used in stormwater recycling and treatment systems, making them ideal for sports field applications. The exceptional durability of AquaArmor liners ensures that your sports field drainage system will be reliable and effective for years to come.
Benefits of RPE Geomembranes for Athletic Field Drainage
Flexibility
RPE is flexible enough to withstand soil and water movement and will not crack or break easily.
Longevity
The AquaArmor line of RPE geomembranes comes with a long-term guarantee, providing peace of mind and ensuring the longevity of the drainage system.
Cost-effectiveness
RPE is a cost-effective option for underground sports field drainage systems, offering long life, low maintenance requirements, and easy installation.
Environmental Friendliness
By capturing and treating stormwater, RPE geomembranes reduce the strain on local water resources and contribute to the sustainability of athletic field operations.
PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) Geomembranes
PVC is another common material used in underground sports field drainage systems due to its durability, chemical resistance, flexibility, cost-effectiveness, non-toxicity, and ease of installation.
Benefits of PVC Geomembranes for Athletic Field Drainage
Long lifespan
PVC is a durable material that can last for many years in a subsurface installation, ensuring the longevity of the drainage system.
Low maintenance
PVC requires little maintenance, making it a cost-effective option in the long run.
Easy to install
PVC is easy to install, saving time and money during construction.
Disadvantages of PVC Geomembranes for Athletic Field Drainage
Less Durable
PVC is less resistant to UV radiation and may require additional protection if any parts are exposed to sunlight.
Less Flexible
Compared to RPE or EPDM, PVC is less flexible, which may make it challenging to work with in tight corners.
Environmental Considerations
Toxic chlorine gas is released both during the production of PVC and after disposal in landfills, where it can contaminate nearby soil and groundwater.
EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer)
EPDM, a synthetic rubber, is commonly used in various applications, including underground sports field drainage systems. It offers durability, flexibility, chemical resistance, waterproofing, UV resistance, and low maintenance.
Benefits of EPDM for Athletic Field Drainage
Long lifespan
EPDM is a durable, long-lasting material that contributes to the long-term viability of the drainage system.
Waterproof
EPDM is a completely waterproof material that prevents all water from seeping through the drainage system.
Disadvantages of EPDM for Athletic Field Drainage
Cost
EPDM tends to be more expensive than most other options, impacting budget considerations.
Weight
EPDM is substantially heavier than RPE and PVC, making it more challenging to install and costlier to ship.
Investing in the best materials for long-lasting sports field protection
The best choice of impermeable membrane for a football field drainage system depends on your facility's needs, including soil conditions, climate, budget, and the specific requirements of the field. Working with a knowledgeable contractor or engineer to design an effective drainage system and select the most suitable impermeable membrane is essential.
